Bike tour reviews with boat/barge Iris 1 to 27 of 27
Boat/Barge: Iris • REMOVE • About Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Leo R. 9 months ago • Permalink/ReplyMost Memorable Part? Excellent group that interacted very well from the onset.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Garnet T. 9 months ago • Permalink/ReplyThe Barge Iris was outstanding to say the least. 24 guests were the perfect number, not too many, not too few, the crew was over and above terrific, the food was something we looked forward to each day and the whole experience was memorable.
Boat: Iris
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Tulip Tour - 8 Day
by Louise H. 9 months ago • Permalink/ReplyMost Memorable Part: ALL the places we visited, the countryside, the Iris barge and the staff.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by JoAn R. 9 months ago • Permalink/ReplyMost Memorable Parts: Biking, local information, meals.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Rita J. 11 months ago • Permalink/ReplyMost Memorable Part: The knowledge of our guide, Wouter, and the beautiful vineyards along the river. I loved how we were riding on a flat, easy and beautiful path, but could see and appreciate the steep mountain vineyards! This is our third Tripsite adventure and we have enjoyed each one. In fact, as we were driving home from the airport my husband was booking our next trip - Northern Holland!
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Art R. 11 months ago • Permalink/ReplyWe were on a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest last year, and we noticed that the rivers we were on had beautiful paved and much-used bike trails, often on both banks. Then our friends from Chicago, a couple our age, learned about a barge biking trip in Europe and went on it last fall. They invited us to join them this year on a similar trip on the Moselle River, from Metz, France to Cochem, Germany. Here's the concept: at Metz, we arrived at the Iris, a small ship fitted out for 24 passengers and five crewmembers. Besides the passenger cabins, the ship had a dining room, a lounge, and an outside deck- not all the other things you associate with a cruise ship. Each day at around nine or 10 o'clock in the morning, we would get off the ship with bikes provided by the outfitter, and bicycle about 30 miles along the bike path on the river. We were led each day by Wouter, our guide, who was a history major as well as a very competent tour guide. He and the other four members of the crew were all Dutch, as was the registry of the ship.
When registering for the trip, we included our physical measurements so that the bikes were almost perfectly fitted to us when we arrived. I was pleased that my bike was large enough for me because I am tall. Dianne had reserved an e-bike since she hadn't had a lot of experience in doing long road rides over multiple days, and because she had just had knee replacement surgery at the end of January. Five of the 24 people in our group used e-bikes, and they were all very happy with their performance. The bike does between 20 and 60% of the work (three levels—20, 40 and 60%) and you do the rest. It's not like a moped-- you still must pedal. It also has a readout that gives your speed, distance, and battery power.The bikes we used didn't employed derailleurs but instead had gears inside the rear hub that worked very smoothly with the two lever system on the handlebar. Most of the bikes were Gudereit hybrids, a German brand. All the bikes had front and rear lights, which turned on automatically, and were powered by a generator device inside the front hub that involved rotating magnets, so there was no friction. I was impressed with the smoothness and comfort of the bike I was given. The outfitters provided the bike, a pannier, and a helmet for each cyclist. Helmet use was not required but highly recommended.
The nice thing about the bike paths along the Moselle River is that they were quite level, with only occasional small climbs when we needed to go up a ramp to cross a lock and dam for a bridge, and once when we made a little more of a climb to get up onto one of the tiered roadways in the vineyards. The Moselle Valley is wine country, and there were vineyards every day in every direction. Every morning we made a coffee break in a small town, and later we stopped again for the lunch we had packed that morning before leaving the ship. Each day, we’d see the Iris passing us on the river on its way to that day’s destination city, with Jacques, the captain, waving from the pilot house. On two of the days, we could opt to stay on the ship longer and join the other bicyclists enroute, or leave the ride early and “sag” on the ship. Guests also had the option to just stay on the ship all day and not bicycle if felt they needed a day off. But most biked the entire way.
Our trip was in early September and the weather was pleasantly cool, usually in the low 60s to low 70s. We were prepared for rain, but never got any while we were bicycling. Most of the guests on the ship were American, but eight were Canadians and four were New Zealanders. Our bicycling speed was about 9 mph, with periodic stops to allow the group to stay together. Usually the stops were at places of historic or scenic interest, and we learned a lot from our guide about the influences of the Romans in Luxembourg and Germany, the ancient and modern winemaking arts, and even the formation of the Schengen Area (similar to, but not identical to the European Union) at Schengen. Schengen is the town at the juncture of France, Luxembourg, and Germany, like Dubuque’s placement at the intersection of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois! We frequently crossed the Moselle from Germany to Luxembourg and back again. Dianne even got to bicycle through and explore the town of Wormeldange in Luxembourg, where her family came from several generations ago.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Rita J. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyMost memorable part: The incredible scenery and the knowledge of our guide.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Jim M. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyThe most memorable parts was the Saar River part of the ride, biking above the River with our guide and riding thru the vineyards. The little towns and the Roman History. Had no idea about the Roman history in this region before this trip. The Levees on the river. Just the general beauty of the area. The grapes growing on the sides of the mountains. Both our barge crew and all the people on the trip. FUN! FUN! FUN!
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Leo R. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyThe total crew got involved in the trip and were always available to assist us with any problems or questions. It helped to break the ice with other bikers and soon we were one cohesive and fun group.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Patricia B. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyMost memorable are the meals. The daily ports and after dinner walks. 1 issue - directions to the barge were horrible.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Wendy & Robert K. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyIt is very hard to say what was the best, as everything was so great, beautiful, and interesting. The staff and bike guide went above our expectations, we would recommend this trip to all.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Richard R. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyWe thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip but the weather was a bit average - no rain but lots of cloud and a bit cool.
The food was great as were the crew, the bikes, the other passengers and the boat. We thought Wouter (the guide) needs to "loosen up" a bit and learn more of the history etc. of the region. We also found the first couple of days on the bikes a bit boring, too much forest and not enough villages etc.
All in all very good!!Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Garnet T. 12 months ago • Permalink/ReplyThe whole trip exceeded our expectations but the barge Iris and the crew were outstanding.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Garnet 1 year ago • Permalink/ReplyA group of 8 friends from Western Canada recently completed the Metz to Cochem tour on the Iris and all of us have nothing but good things to say about the experience. The barge Iris was everything we expected and more. Immaculately clean, well equipped, comfortable rooms and beds, small but efficient bathrooms, great lounge and dining areas, outside sitting area, etc., etc. The crew was outstanding in every way from Chef Bas to guide Wouter, to crewman AJ and so on. The crew added so much to the overall experience and always with humour, local knowledge and great attention to detail. The daily rides were a feature that we looked forward to each morning and the scenery was wonderful each day. And to top it all off, the weather for the most part cooperated for the whole trip. I can't recommend the barge, the crew and the trip highly enough and as a group, we are already talking about our next barge/bike tour
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by D. Fish 2 years ago • Permalink/ReplyThe trip was enjoyable. Only drawback was that follow along Moselle River, some of the scenery of the vineyards became boring after a while. On previous trips we traveled more inland, seeing sights and then meeting up with barge at next destination.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by C. Morrison 2 years ago • Permalink/ReplyHad a wonderful time. The staff was very accommodating in making modifications due to the previous heavy rains and high water. The last day bike tour of Metz was disappointing in that it is a very difficult city to navigate on bikes with a number of people.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Jehiel 2 years ago • Permalink/ReplyHi C. Morrison,
Im sorry that you were disappointed with the last day of riding. I can assure you that your safety is one of our top priorities and we try our best to ensure routes are safe and easy to navigate. In spite of the rain, I hope your overall experience was positive!Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Richard Oliver 2 years ago • Permalink/ReplyWe sailed on the Iris, from Cochem to Metz, 18-25 June. It was a most delightful and joyful experience. Even with initial high water from unseasonal flooding and occasional detour from the bike paths, it was an incredibly memorable experience -- the crew, the tour guides, the food were all top notch, and the camaraderie among the other bikers was phenomenal. Special thanks to our two bike leaders and guides, Roelie and Wouter, who were fantastic in making the rides safe and mostly easy, and with an in-depth knowledge of historical sites. A special treat was having the ship's owner on board, Lenny was very engaging and most pleasant. Aline, the chef, served delicious meals, especially the final banquet was a true feast! Again, our thanks to Lenny and the entire Iris crew.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Arthur Armstrong 3 years ago • Permalink/ReplyThe trip was one of the best I have taken.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Sydney Cullis 3 years ago • Permalink/Replysuperb all round -organisation, food, scenery , amusing but booking proceedure not very efficient
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Terry Benson 3 years ago • Permalink/ReplyHad a wonderful time. Only problem was the weather, very very cold.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Lois Requist 3 years ago • Permalink/ReplyThe guides are young and very athletic. People who sign up for this level of bicycling aren't usually top bikers, unless they are doing it to be with friends or spouse. I think a bit more thought could be put into the introductory ride the first day, bridge crossings, sudden merging into traffic, sudden turns to go steeply uphill. I've done much longer bike rides, but at this age, I didn't want that much challenge.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Vic Lumby 3 years ago • Permalink/ReplyOne of the best holidays we have ever experienced. Great cycling along the Moselle with excellent and knowledgeable guides and then returning tired but exhilarated to an most welcoming environment on the barge - the IRIS. Meals were excellent and entire crew and owner went out of their way to ensure we enjoyed the total experience. Would recommend this trip to anyone. We will be back for more.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Margaret Munro 3 years ago • Permalink/ReplyEven for a novice biker I was looked after and given the opportunity to cycle shorter legs and enjoy the sailing on the boat. Bikes - we had a couple of bikes that had gear problems, otherwise they were fine.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Steve Moorhouse 6 years ago • Permalink/ReplyAbsolutely loved the trip on board the Merlijn. Wonderful staff and amenities on board, met a great like minded group of travelling companions. As a coeliac, the crew were very attentive and ensured all my dietary needs were met. Nothing was too much trouble.
As for the cycling and the scenery....what can I say? It was magic cycling along quiet bikeways through the vineyards and small villages, at all times in sight of the wonderful Moselle River.
Last but not least...the wine selection and quality on board the Merlijn was the best (and very well priced).
Already thinking about our next bike and barge tour...with the great help from Tripsite (of course).
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Ann Vess 6 years ago • Permalink/ReplyIf you picked a tour aboard the Merlijn for your next vacation, you made the perfect choice. It is not just a barge, it is a luxury barge. The ride through the Mosel Valley is stunning with the vineyards and quaint towns. But, beyond that it is the specialness of your hosts, Jantien and Henk that make this an outstanding experience. Jantien's warmth, humor and attention to detail is amazing along with the delicious meals she prepares. When you come away from the trip, you are left with wonderful memories and you feel like you were entertained in the home of a close friend.
Boat: Iris
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Metz to Cochem or Cochem to Metz
by Diane Reck 6 years ago • Permalink/ReplyThis trip is all and more. There is a good balance of seeing nature at it's most beautiful as you follow the Mosel River and you go through many villages and see historic sites, and taste wine. You take many stops and the miles are spread out through the day so it isn't a hard, tiring bike ride either. This is a trip of a lifetime and great staff and people. The food on the boat is out of this world and the dinner table is set so beautifully! The barge is the way to go!
Boat: Iris
